The Women's Fund Advisory Committee of the Richland County Foundation awarded a dozen grants Thursday at Westbrook Country Club in Mansfield to local public charities for programs that benefit women and girls locally.

Women's Fund Advisory Committee Chairwoman Judie Collins says the mission of the women's fund is to encourage philanthropy among women and to develop a permanent fund so they can give money to these projects for women.

A workshop is held each year where applications are filled out for the grants before an advisory committee reviews all of them.

Recipients this year are the Center for Individual and Family Services, Foundation Academy of Mansfield, Girl Scouts of Ohio's Heartland Council, Kid's Connection of Ohio, City of Mansfield, Parent Aide Program, the Salvation Army and the Shelby Y Community Center.